Abstract 505P
Background
The COVID-19 (C19) pandemic has presented professional and personal challenges. The Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO) has been examining the effects of C19 on the workforce to understand the impact that the pandemic has had on the medical oncology (MO) community. This survey examines how C19 has impacted the wellness and resilience of the MOs and will assess the impact that C19 may have on MO workforce capacity going forward.
Methods
An English-language, multiple-choice survey conducted in March 2022. The survey was distributed by email to MOs identified through CAMO and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons directory (n=477).
Results
Response rate was 32% (n=151). Respondents were 59% female, 88% worked in a comprehensive cancer centre, with 64% having been in practice for >10 years. Physical (60%) and mental (60%) wellness were reported as the biggest personal challenges. 47% are dissatisfied or with their current work-life balance. 83% reported that their workload has increased since the beginning of C19. 56% are considering retiring or reducing total working hours in the next 5 years and 35% have considered leaving MO entirely. Career length >10 years and age >40 were associated with considering leaving MO (p=0.01 and p=0.03 respectively). Career length >10 years was associated with consideration of reducing total working hours within the next 5 years (p=0.045). Table: 505P
Predictors of planned change in practice
| Considering leaving MO | p-value | Considering reducing hours | p-value | |
| Gender Female Male | 53% 45% | 0.23 | 59% 40% | 0.69 |
| Age <40 >40 | 12% 88% | 0.03 | 20% 80% | 0.43 |
| Practice Setting Comprehensive cancer center Other | 94% 6% | 0.08 | 89% 11% | 0.58 |
| Years in practice <10 >10 | 23% 77% | 0.01 | 30% 70% | 0.045 |
| Feel valued by institution Yes No | 27% 73% | 0.98 | 24% 76% | 0.36 |
| Feel valued by public Yes No | 38% 62% | 0.70 | 45% 55% | 0.26 |
Conclusions
This survey corresponds with the the C19 pandemic becoming endemic. Concerns identified include physical and mental wellness, workload escalation and job dissatisfaction. One-third of respondents are considering leaving MO, associated with >10 years in practice suggesting potential loss of experienced workforce. In the face of escalating demand for MO services with rising cancer incidence, prevalence and complexity, workload modification strategies are needed to ensure the stability of the Canadian MO workforce going forward.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
S. Gill: Financial Interests, Personal, Advisory Board: Roche Canada, Eisai, Taiho Canada, Merck Canada, Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb; Non-Financial Interests, Advisory Role, Medical steering committee: Colorectal Cancer Canada; Non-Financial Interests, Leadership Role, Vice-president: Canadian association of medical oncologists. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.